Reds call up first baseman Brandon Allen to fill open spot

CINCINNATI — The Reds called up first baseman Brandon Allen from Triple-A Louisville on Friday, filling their open roster spot for a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cincinnati created the opening by sending starting pitcher Robert Stephenson back to Louisville after he got the victory in a 10-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.

Allen signed a minor league deal with the Reds in the offseason. He has played for Arizona, Oakland and Tampa Bay, batting .203 in 116 games overall with 12 homers and 41 RBIs.

The Reds also said that right-hander Anthony DeSclafani hasn’t fully recovered from a strained left oblique and won’t start Sunday as planned. DeSclafani threw batting practice on Wednesday. The Reds haven’t decided on his replacement.